Tua Tagovailoa helps grant ailing youngster’s wish

A 15-year-old who lives in Lauderhill, Florida, Yisroel Weberman has three posters of Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa on the walls in his bedroom.

Probably not unusual for a boy who lives within 20 miles of the Dolphins’ Hard Rock Stadium. But there is something different about Weberman: He has Niemann-Pick disease.

Because of that, Weberman was chosen to participate in ESPN’s “My Wish” series, which works in conjunction with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to deliver sports-related wishes for children with critical illnesses.

Weberman’s wish was to spend the day with the Dolphins and meet his favorite player. A video chronicling the teen’s day with the Dolphins premiered on ESPN on Wednesday night.

After signing a one-day contract with Miami, Weberman was welcomed to the team by Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino. Weberman got Dolphins gear, ate with his family in the team cafeteria, collected autographs on a helmet and attended an offseason practice, where he played catch with Tagovailoa and broke down the team at the end of the workout.

A former Alabama All-American, Tagovailoa told the youngster he had more in him after Weberman said he thought his best throw could cover 15 yards. And the teen responded by uncorking a longer toss to the Miami QB.

Because of his condition, Weberman is awaiting a liver transplant.

Niemann-Pick disease affects the body’s ability to break down fats inside cells, according to the Mayo Clinic. Because of the buildup of fats, these cells don’t work as they should. The disease can cause worsening function of the brain, nerves, liver, spleen and bone marrow over time. It has no cure and is sometimes fatal.